Climate

Senegal is located in Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania. Senegal has a tropical climate and is generally hot and humid. There’s a rainy season (May to Nov) with strong southeast winds. The dry season (Dec to April) is dominated by hot, dry, harmattan wind.

Accommodation

The majority of suitable expat housing is located within certain areas and often within secure estates or “compounds” which are monitored by security guards or companies.

Schooling

There are 2 international schools in Dakar. One offers the British Curriculum and the other the French Curriculum.

Healthcare

The health system has improved in recent decades, but many of the facilities and doctors are located in Dakar. Those with breathing problems should take precautions during the dry season between November and May. The Sahel region of northern Senegal gets very dry during this time and often produces strong winds, called the harmattan, which cause dust storms. The dust may produce a severe cough in those with respiratory issues. Bring your medication or breathing apparatuses if you suffer from asthma or another breathing issue. There are several diseases you could
catch including polio, rabies, typhoid, malaria, yellow fever and meningitis. Travellers will want to get the proper vaccinations.

Shops

Several malls exist in Senegal. The areas where expats shop are down town namely: Almadies; Fann Residence. Malls include Sea plaza; Dakar city; Casino; Citydia, Hypermarket Exclusive; Discovery; Orca; and most groceries can be purchased at these.

Culture

As indirect communicators, the Senegalese use a lot of proverbs when speaking. It is believed that such a style is more polite and demonstrates greater courtesy than being “straight up”. Passive silence is also employed on occasions in order to avoid conflict. Communication should remain positive at all times. Making direct eye contact throughout a greeting and conversation may brand you as arrogant. Senegalese tend to lower their gaze while speaking with someone senior in age or position.

Money

The unit of currency is the West African CFA franc. Banks with ATMs are found in all larger towns across the country. Banks and exchange bureaux tend to offer similar rates; the currency most easily changed is the euro.

Hospitality 

Senegalese table manners can be somewhat formal. Wait to be shown to your seat. Seating is often a matter of hierarchy. .A washing basin will be
brought out before the meal is served for people to wash their hands. Women and men may eat at separate tables in the same room or they may eat in separate rooms. Do not begin eating until the eldest male does. Eat only with the right hand.

Transportation

There is an adequate public transportation system in Dakar and other major cities. However, long distance public transportation is uncommon. The major roads are good but most secondary roads are poorly maintained and difficult to negotiate during the rainy season.

Greetings 

Greetings are crucial in Senegal and their important should never be underestimated. Exchanging greetings each time you meet someone, even if it is later in the same day, is pivotal to maintaining good relationships. You are expected to exchange lengthy inquiries into the health and well being of the other person and their family before asking any other question or beginning a discussion. To the Western mind the amount of time spent in greetings may appear unnecessary or even wasteful (especially in business) they are used by the Senegalese to feel one with each other and achieve a sense of group harmony.

Safety

Violent personal crime in Senegal is not common but there is a high rate of property crime such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and theft of unattended belongings. In addition, travellers should be aware of the ongoing armed struggle in the Casamance region by rebels fighting for the independence of Casamance from Senegal. Travel in this area especially by road should absolutely be avoided.

Other

You cannot take pictures of some buildings, including government institutions, military structures, police stations or embassies. Travellers are required by law to carry their identification with them and are subject to questioning by police. Authorities are allowed to question suspicious behaviour and ask you to produce documents proving your identity. Homosexuals may encounter problems in Senegal. Muslim Senegalese might also be offended by public drunkenness and romantic kissing.